Identification and characterization of a new family of long satellite DNA, specific of true toads (Anura, Amphibia, Bufonidae)

Amphibians have some of the most variable genome sizes among vertebrates. Genome size variation has been attributed to repetitive and noncoding DNA, including satellite repeats, transposable elements, introns, and nuclear insertions of viral and organelle DNA. In vertebrates, satellite DNAs have been widely described in mammals, but few molecular studies have been carried out in amphibians. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of a new family of satellite DNA, present in all 15 examined species of the family Bufonidae. Southern-blot analysis and PCR reveal that this satellite is formed by monomers of 807 bp, is organized in tandem arrays, and has an AT-content of 57.4%. Phylogenetic analyses show that most clades exhibit species-specific variances, indicating that this satellite DNA has evolved by concerted evolution. The homogenization/fixation process is heterogeneous in Bufonidae, where the genera Bufo and Bufotes do not show species-specific differences, while populations from Rhinella marina exhibit population-specific changes. Additionally, variants of this satellite DNA have been identified in Duttaphrynus melanostictus and R. marina, supporting the 'library hypothesis' (a set, 'library', of satellite DNAs is shared by a species group). Physical mapping in Bufo bufo, Bufo spinosus, Epidalea calamita and Bufotes viridis provides evidence that this repetitive DNA is not dispersed in the karyotype, but accumulated in pericentromeric regions of some chromosomal pairs. This location, together with its presence in the transcriptomes of bufonids, could indicate a role in centromere function or heterochromatin formation and maintenance.

Automated summary

Amphibians have various genome sizes, and this study characterizes a new family of satellite DNA in the Bufonidae family. The satellite DNA is composed of 807 base pair monomers and is organized in tandem arrays. Phylogenetic analysis shows species-specific variations, suggesting concerted evolution. The repetitive DNA is localized in pericentromeric regions and may play a role in centromere function or heterochromatin formation.